Vacant building flood closes streets downtown

A vacant building turned a busy downtown intersection into a wading pool Wednesday morning.

Public works employees and police were at the scene at 49 Street and 51 Avenue when NNSL Media arrived shortly after 10:30 a.m.

The following roads have been closed until further notice:

• 51 Avenue, from 48 to 50 Street
• 49 Street, from 50 to 51 Avenue
• The alleyway between 48 and 49 Street, from 50 to 52 Avenue

"These closures are to facilitate road clearing resulting from a water break in the area," city spokesperson Alison Harrower wrote in an email. "Pedestrians and motorists are asked to choose alternate routes and to expect delays in the area.

"Traffic controls and signs are in place. The city asks anyone parked in this area to move their vehicle as soon as possible, please reach out to a city staff member on site for assistance."

Water could be seen emanating from the former Polar Parka building out onto the sidewalk and nearby streetscape.

The building is currently unoccupied and is listed by Coldwell Banker.

This story will be updated.